Grip apparatus for exercise equipment and method for making thereof

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure relates to a grip apparatus for exercise equipment, the grip apparatus comprising: a first annular member having a first annular sidewall and a first flange extending radially inwardly from the first annular sidewall; a second annular member having a second annular sidewall and a second flange extending radially inwardly outwardly from the second annular sidewall, a diameter of the second annular sidewall being less than a diameter of the first annular sidewall, the second annular member being positioned within the first annular member whereby the first annular sidewall, the second annular sidewall, the first flange and the second flange define together an annular chamber; a handle member connected to the second annular sidewall; and a bearing in the annular chamber, the first annular sidewall frictionally engaging a first race of the bearing and the second annular sidewall frictionally engaging a second race of the bearing.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a reissue application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/577,437, filed on Nov. 28, 2017 and issued asU.S. Pat. No. 10,124,207 on Nov. 13, 2018, which is an 35 USC 371national stage entry of PCT/CA2016/050609 filed on May 30, 2016 whichclaims priority on U.S. 62/167,931 filed on May 29, 2015. Thesedocuments are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to a grip apparatus for exerciseequipment and a method for making thereof, and in particular, a gripapparatus having a freely rotatable handle.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Various types of exercise equipment, especially weight liftingequipment, provide a grip for a user to hold. Such grips are typicallystationary, which may cause user discomfort or limit the user's abilityto maximize his or her workout.

SUMMARY

It would thus be highly desirable to be provided with an apparatus,system or method that would at least partially address the disadvantagesof the existing technologies.

The embodiments described herein provide in one aspect a grip apparatusfor exercise equipment, the grip apparatus comprising a first annularmember having a first annular sidewall and a first flange extendingradially inwardly from the first annular sidewall, a second annularmember having a second annular sidewall and a second flange extendingradially inwardly outwardly from the second annular sidewall, a diameterof the second annular sidewall being less than a diameter of the firstannular sidewall, the second annular member being positioned within thefirst annular member whereby the first annular sidewall, the secondannular sidewall, the first flange and the second flange define togetheran annular chamber, a handle member extending between opposing portionsof the second annular sidewall and a bearing positioned within theannular chamber, the first annular sidewall frictionally engaging afirst race of the bearing and the second annular sidewall frictionallyengaging a second race of the bearing, whereby the second annular memberis freely rotatable relative to the first annular member.

The embodiments described herein provide in another aspect a gripapparatus for exercise equipment, the grip apparatus comprising: a firstannular member having a first annular sidewall and a first flangeextending radially inwardly from the first annular sidewall. Theapparatus also comprises a second annular member having a second annularsidewall and a second flange extending radially inwardly outwardly fromthe second annular sidewall, a diameter of the second annular sidewallbeing less than a diameter of the first annular sidewall, the secondannular member being positioned within the first annular member wherebythe first annular sidewall, the second annular sidewall, the firstflange and the second flange define together an annular chamber; ahandle member connected to the second annular sidewall; and a bearingpositioned within the annular chamber, the first annular sidewallfrictionally engaging a first race of the bearing and the second annularsidewall frictionally engaging a second race of the bearing, whereby thesecond annular member is freely rotatable relative to the first annularmember.

The embodiments described herein provide in another aspect an exerciseequipment comprising at least one grip apparatus for exercise equipmentas described herein according to various exemplary embodiments and oneattachment member connected to the first annular member and adapted tobe connected to a weight system.

The embodiments described herein provide in yet another aspect a methodfor manufacturing a grip apparatus for exercise equipment, the methodcomprising: providing a first annular member having a first annularsidewall and a first flange extending radially inwardly from the firstannular sidewall, providing a second annular member having a secondannular sidewall and a second flange extending radially inwardly fromthe second annular sidewall, a diameter of the second annular sidewallbeing less than a diameter of the first annular sidewall, attaching ahandle member to opposing portions of the second annular sidewall,inserting a bearing into the first annular member, whereby an innersurface of the first annular member frictionally engages an outersurface of the bearing; and inserting the second annular member into thebearing, whereby an outer surface of the second annular memberfrictionally engages an inner surface of the bearing.

DRAWINGS

The following drawings represent non-limitative examples in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a first annular memberaccording to one exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 2 illustrates a section view of the exemplary first annular memberalong the line 2-2 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 3 illustrates a close-up view of the section encircled by dottedlines in FIG. 2 of the exemplary first annular member;

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a second annular memberaccording to one exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 5 illustrates a section view of the exemplary second annular memberalong the line 5-5 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6A illustrates a perspective exploded view of a grip apparatusaccording to one exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 6B illustrates a perspective exploded view of a grip apparatusaccording to another exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 7 illustrates a section view of a fully assembled grip apparatusaccording to one exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 8 illustrates an elevated front view of an exemplary stirrup handlehaving an exemplary grip apparatus;

FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary double stirruphandle having an exemplary grip apparatus;

FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary lat bar having anexemplary grip apparatus;

FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary variant lat barhaving an exemplary grip apparatus;

FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary tricep press downbar having an exemplary grip apparatus;

FIG. 13 illustrates a side elevation view of an exemplary Olympic barhaving an exemplary grip apparatus;

FIG. 14 illustrates a section view of an initially formed second annularmember according to one exemplary embodiment; and

FIG. 15 illustrates a close-up view of the section encircled by dottedlines of the exemplary initially formed second annular member.

DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS

The following examples are presented in a non-limiting manner.

The word “a” or “an” when used in conjunction with the term “comprising”in the claims and/or the specification may mean “one”, but it is alsoconsistent with the meaning of “one or more”, “at least one”, and “oneor more than one” unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.Similarly, the word “another” may mean at least a second or more unlessthe content clearly dictates otherwise.

As used in this specification and claim(s), the words “comprising” (andany form of comprising, such as “comprise” and “comprises”), “having”(and any form of having, such as “have” and “has”), “including” (and anyform of including, such as “include” and “includes”) or “containing”(and any form of containing, such as “contain” and “contains”), areinclusive or open-ended and do not exclude additional, unrecitedelements or process steps.

The terms “coupled” or “coupling” as used herein can have severaldifferent meanings depending in the context in which these terms areused. For example, the terms coupled or coupling can have a mechanicalor electrical connotation. For example, as used herein, the termscoupled or coupling can indicate that two elements or devices aredirectly connected to one another or connected to one another throughone or more intermediate elements or devices via an electrical element,electrical signal or a mechanical element depending on the particularcontext.

According to example grip apparatuses disclosed herein the first race isan outer race of the bearing, the second race is an inner race of thebearing, and an inner surface of the first annular sidewall frictionallyengages the outer race of the bearing and the second race frictionallyengages the inner race of the bearing.

According to example grip apparatuses disclosed herein, the innersurface of the first annular sidewall is press fit against the outerrace of the bearing.

According to example grip apparatuses disclosed herein, the outersurface of the second annular sidewall is press fit against the innerrace of the bearing.

According to example grip apparatuses disclosed herein, the secondannular member is swaged against the inner race.

According to example grip apparatuses disclosed herein, a diameter ofthe inner race corresponds with a diameter of the outer surface of thesecond annular sidewall within a tolerance of approximately ±0.0015inch.

According to example grip apparatuses disclosed herein, a diameter ofthe outer race corresponds with a diameter of the inner surface of thefirst annular sidewall within a tolerance of approximately ±0.0015 inch.

According to example grip apparatuses disclosed herein, a differencebetween the diameter of the inner surface of the first annular sidewalland the diameter of the outer surface of the second annular sidewallsubstantially corresponds to a radial width of the first annular flange.

According to example grip apparatuses disclosed herein, a differencebetween the diameter of the inner surface of the first annular sidewalland the diameter of the outer surface of the second annular sidewallsubstantially corresponds to a radial width of the second annularflange.

According to example grip apparatuses disclosed herein, a top wall ofthe bearing abuts against the first annular flange of the first annularmember.

According to example grip apparatuses disclosed herein, a bottom wall ofthe bearing abuts against the second annular flange of the secondannular member.

According to example grip apparatuses disclosed herein, wherein thefirst annular flange has an annular recessed portion for accommodatingportions of balls of the bearing protruding from a top wall of thebearing.

According to example grip apparatuses disclosed herein, the secondannular flange has an annular recessed portion for accommodatingportions of balls of the bearing protruding from a bottom wall of thebearing.

According to example grip apparatuses disclosed herein, the handlemember is welded to the second annular sidewall of the second annularmember.

According to example grip apparatuses disclosed herein, the gripapparatus can be free of fastening systems for attaching the firstannular member to the second annular member.

According to example grip apparatuses disclosed herein, the bearing is aball bearing.

According to example grip apparatuses disclosed herein, the bearing ischosen from a rolling element bearing, rotational bearing, a thrustbearing, a spherical bearing, a thrust bearing, a needle bear, a camfollower, a cup and cone bearing and individual ball bearings.

According to example grip apparatuses disclosed herein, the bearing isformed of a material chosen from at least one of carbon, steel, chromiumsteel, bronze, oil impregnated bronze, plastic, nylon based resins,graphite filled, UHMW, acetal resin, PTFE, engineered plastics, phenolicresin and wood.

According to example exercise equipment disclosed herein, the weightsystem is chosen from weight plates and cabled weight system.

According to example exercise equipment disclosed herein, the strengthequipment is chosen from chinning triangle, a tricep press down, a latbar, a stirrup handle, a pulldown bar, a curl bar, an Olympic bar,dumbbell handle, a hex bar, and a tricep bar.

According to example methods disclosed herein, the inner surface of thefirst annular member is pressfit against the outer race of the bearingand the outer surface of the second annular member is pressfit againstthe inner race of the bearing.

According to example methods disclosed herein, the method furtherincludes swaging the inner surface of the second sidewall of the secondannular member outwardly radially.

According to example methods disclosed herein, the handle member iswelded to the second annular sidewall and the method further includesafter welding the handle member, machining the outer surface of thesecond annular sidewall to a diameter substantially corresponding to aninner diameter of the inner race.

Referring now to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 simultaneously, therein illustrated isa perspective view, section view along the line 2-2 and close-up view ofthe encircled section of FIG. 2 (see FIG. 3), respectively, of a firstannular member 8 according to one exemplary embodiment. The firstannular member 8, which may have a generally cupped shape having abottom opening, includes an annular sidewall 16. The annular sidewall 16extends circumferentially and in a generally axial direction 20 of thefirst annular member 8. The first annular member 8 further includes aflange 24 extending radially inwardly from the annular sidewall 16. Asshown in FIG. 2, the annular flange 24 extends transversely to theannular sidewall 16. The annular flange 24 defines an opening 28 of thefirst annular member 8.

It will be understood that although the flange 24 of the first annularmember 8 is illustrated in FIG. 1 to extend continuously andcircumferentially, in other exemplary embodiments of the first annularmember 8, the flange 24 may be formed of discontinuous portionspositioned angularly about an axis of the first annular member 8.

According to various exemplary embodiments, and as illustrated in FIGS.1 to 3, the flange 24 may have a recessed portion 32 and a raisedportion 40. Compared to the raised portion 40, the recessed portion 32has a greater depth 48 from a top 44 of the first annular member 8 thanthe depth 52 of the raised portion 40.

For example, and as illustrated, both the recessed portion 32 and theraised portion 40 extend continuously and circumferentially.

According to various exemplary embodiments, an outer surface 56 of theannular sidewall 16 and outer surface 64 of the flange 24 may haverounded corners so as to provide a more pleasing visual appearance. Therounded corners may also be used to identify the first annular member 8.

The first annular member 8 may be formed of a material that issusceptible to be easily machined and welded. For example, the firstannular member 8 can be formed of a low carbon steel.

Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5 simultaneously, therein illustrated is aperspective view and a section view along the line 5-5 respective of asecond annular member 72 according to one exemplary embodiment. Thesecond annular member 72 includes an annular sidewall 80. The annularsidewall 80 extends circumferentially and in a generally axial direction20 of the second annular member 72. The inner surface 84 of the annularsidewall 80 defines an opening 86 of the second annular member 72. Forexample, the diameter of the second annular member 72 may besubstantially equal to the opening 28 of the first annular member 8. Forexample, the diameter of the second annular member 72 may be smallerthan the opening 28 of the first annular member 8.

The diameter of the annular sidewall 80 is smaller than the diameter ofthe annular sidewall 16 of the first annular member 8. For example, thedifference between the diameter of an outer surface 88 of the annularsidewall 80 of the second annular member 72 and inner surface 96 of theannular sidewall 16 of the first annular member 8 can be between about0.5 inches to about 2 inches.

The second annular member 72 further includes a flange 104 extendingoutwardly from the annular sidewall 80. As shown in FIG. 5, the annularflange 104 extends transversely to the annular sidewall 80.

It will be understood that although the flange 104 of the second annularmember 72 is illustrated in FIG. 5 to extend continuously andcircumferentially, in other exemplary embodiments of the second annularmember 72, the flange 104 may be formed of discontinuous portionspositioned angularly about an axis of the second annular member 72.

According to various exemplary embodiments, and as illustrated in FIGS.4 and 5, the flange 104 of the second annular member 72 may have arecessed portion 112 and a raised portion 120. Compared to the recessedraised portion 120, the recessed portion 112 has a greater depth 116from a top 128 of the second annular member 72 than the depth 132 of theraised portion. For example, and as illustrated, both the recessedportion 112 and the raised portion 120 extend 120 continuously andcircumferentially.

The second annular member 72 may be formed of a material that issusceptible to be easily machined and welded. For example, the secondannular member 72 is formed of a low carbon steel.

A handle member 136 (FIG. 6) extends between opposing portions of theinner surface 84 of the annular sidewall 80 of the second annular member72. The handle member 136 has dimensions corresponding to the diameterof a typical exercise handle used in the art. For example the handle hasa length of about 4 inches to about 6 inches and a diameter of about 0.8inches to about 1.5 inches. An outer surface of the handle member 136may be knurled to provide easier gripping of the handle member 136.

For example, the handle member 136 may be connected to the annularsidewall 80 using suitable fastening systems known in the art, such as,welding, rivets, nuts and bolts, and/or screws.

For example, the handle member 136 may be connected to the annularsidewall 80 by welding ends of the handle member 136 to the opposingportions of the inner surface 84 of the annular sidewall 80.

Referring now to FIG. 6A, therein illustrated is a perspective explodedview of a grip apparatus 140 according to one exemplary embodiment. Thehandle member 136 is positioned so as to be connected to the annularsidewall 80 of the second annular member 72. The second annular member72 is further positioned so that its annular sidewall 80 is extendingtowards the flange 24 of the first annular member 8. The second annularmember 72 is inserted into to the first annular member 8 so that a top128 of the second annular member 72 is positioned proximate the flange24 of the first annular member 8. Similarly, a top 48 of the firstannular member 8 is positioned proximate the flange 104 of the secondannular member 72. Furthermore, in this position, the annular sidewall80 of the second annular member 72 overlaps with the annular sidewall 16of the first annular member 8 in a radial direction 148 of the gripapparatus 140. The opening 28 of the first annular member 8 is axiallyaligned with the opening 86 of the second annular member 72.

Referring now to FIG. 6B, the apparatus 140′ is similar to the apparatus140 shown in FIG. 6A, with the exception that it contains two additionalcomponents (third annular member 410 and fourth annular member 420). Thethird annular member 410 is dimensioned to be connected to the firstannular member 8′, and a fourth annular member 420 is dimensioned to beconnected to the second annular member 72′, The second annular member72′ and the forth annular member 420 are, when connected together,sandwiching and holding together the bearing and the first annularmember 8′, and wherein the third annular member 410 and the firstannular member 8′ are, when connected together, sandwiching and holdingthe second annular member 72′. For example, the first annular member 8′and the second annular member 72′ can contain threads 500. The thirdannular member 410 and the fourth annular member 420 are also threaded(see 500). The third annular member comprises external threads 500dimensioned to be screwed into the internal threads of the first annularmember 8′. The third annular member 410 comprises external threads 500dimensioned to be screwed into the internal threads of the first annularmember 8′. The fourth annular member 420 comprises internal threads 500dimensioned to be screwed into the external threads of the secondannular member 72′.

Referring now to FIG. 7, therein illustrated in a section view of afully assembled grip apparatus 140 with the second annular member 72inserted into the first annular member 8. The flange 24 and sidewall 16of the first annular member 8 defines with the flange 104 and sidewall80 of the second annular member 72 an annular chamber 156.

Referring back to FIG. 6A, the grip apparatus 140 further includes abearing 164 positioned between the first annular member 8 and the secondannular member 72. When the grip apparatus 140 is fully assembled, thebearing 164 is positioned within the annular chamber 156.

According to various exemplary embodiments, the bearing 164 may beformed other suitable materials, such as metal, steel, carbon, chromiumsteel, bronze, oil impregnated bronze (ex: Oilite™) or plastics. Theplastics may include nylon based resins, nylon MC901, MC905, Nylatron™,graphite filled, Nyoil™ filled, UHMW copolymer types, Delrin™ acetaltypes, PTFE (Teflon™), and engineered plastics. Phenolic resins or woodmay also be used.

For example, the bearing 164 may have sealed lubrication so as to reducemaintenance required.

The bearing 164 may be chosen from various types, such as a rollingelement bearing, rotational bearing, a thrust bearing, a ball bearing, aspherical bearing, a thrust bearing, a needle bear, a cam follower, acup and cone bearing or individual ball bearings.

The bearing 164 includes a first race and a second race being freelyrotatable relative to one another. The bearing 164 is positioned betweenthe first annular member 8 and the second annular member 72 so that theannular sidewall 16 of the first annular member 8 frictionally engagesthe first race. In this position, the annular sidewall 80 of the secondannular member 72 frictionally engages the second race. Accordingly, thesecond annular member and handle member 136 is freely rotatable relativeto the first annular member 8.

According to example illustrated in FIG. 6, the bearing 164 is of therotational bearing having an outer race 172 and an inner race 180. Forexample, the rotational bearing is of the ball bearing type. Forexample, inner race 180 and outer race 172 may be made formed of carbonand chromium steel. The inner race 180 and the outer race 172 mayfurther be induction hardened to 58 to 65 RC and precision ground.

An outer diameter of the outer race 172 substantially corresponds withan inner diameter of an inner surface 96 of the annular sidewall 16 ofthe first annular member 8. The diameter of the outer race 172 maycorrespond with the inner diameter of the annular sidewall 16 within atolerance of approximately ±0.0015 inch. Accordingly, when the bearing164 is positioned within the annular chamber 156, the inner surface 96frictionally engages the outer race 172 of the bearing 164. For example,the sidewall 16 of the first annular member 8 is press fit against theouter race 172 of the bearing 164. Engagement of the outer race 172 withthe sidewall 16 restricts the bearing 164 separating from the firstannular member 8.

An inner diameter of the inner race 180 substantially corresponds withan outer diameter of an outer surface 88 of the annular sidewall 80 ofthe second annular member 72. The diameter of the inner race 180 maycorrespond with the outer diameter of the annular sidewall 80 within atolerance of approximately ±0.0015 inch. Accordingly, when the bearing164 is positioned within the annular chamber 156, the outer surface 88frictionally engages the inner race 180 of the bearing 164. For example,the sidewall 80 of the second annular member 72 is press fit against theinner race 180 of the bearing 164. Engagement of the inner race 180 withthe sidewall 72 restricts the bearing 164 separating from the firstannular member 8. Furthermore, the engagement of the sidewall 16 of thefirst annular member 8 with the outer race 172 combined with theengagement of the sidewall 80 of the second annular member 72 with theinner race 180 restricts the first annular member 8 separating from thesecond annular member 72.

According to various exemplary embodiments, after positioning the secondannular member 72 within the first annular member 8, the inner surface88 of the annular sidewall 80 is swaged outwardly to promote engagementof the annular sidewall 80 with the inner race 180. The outward force onthe annular sidewall 80 from the swaging may be further transmitted tothe outer race 172, thereby also promoting engagement of the outer race180 with the annular sidewall 16 of the first annular member 8.

The inner race 180 is freely rotatable relative to the outer race 172 ofthe bearing 164. Accordingly, when the grip apparatus 140 is fullyassembled, the second annular member 72 is freely rotatable relative tothe first annular member 8. Furthermore, the handle member 136 connectedto the second annular member 72 is also freely rotatable relative to thefirst annular member 8.

According to various exemplary embodiments, the radial width of theannular flange 24 of the first annular member 8 substantiallycorresponds to a difference between the diameter of the inner surface 96of the annular sidewall 16 and the diameter of the outer surface 88 ofthe annular sidewall 80. Similarly, the radial width of the annularflange 104 of the second annular member 72 substantially corresponds toa difference between the diameter of the inner surface 96 of the annularsidewall 16 and the diameter of the outer surface 88 of the annularsidewall 80. Accordingly, when the grip apparatus 140 is fullyassembled, the bearing 164 is concealed by the flange 24, sidewall 16,flange 104 and sidewall 80 so that it is not visible from the outside.

According to various exemplary embodiments, a top wall 188 of thebearing 164 abuts against the annular flange 24 of the first annularmember 8. More particularly, the top wall 188 abuts against a surface ofthe raised portion 40 of the annular flange 24. Furthermore, a portionof the balls of the bearing 164 may protrude past the top wall 188. Thisprotruding portion is positioned within the space of the annular chamber156 provided by the recessed portion 32 of the flange 24. Accordingly,the balls of the bearing 164 are disengaged from the annular flange 24and can be rotated to allow free rotation of the inner race 180.

Similarly, a bottom wall 196 may abut against the annular flange 104 ofthe second annular member 72. More particularly, the top wall 196 abutsagainst a surface of the raised portion 120 of the annular flange 104.Furthermore a portion of the balls of the bearing 164 may protrude pastthe bottom wall 196. This protruding portion is positioned within thespace of the annular chamber 156 provided by the recessed portion 112 ofthe flange 104. Accordingly, the balls of the bearing 164 are disengagedfrom the annular flange 014 104 and can be rotated to allow freerotation of the inner race 180. Accordingly, the bearing 164 ispositioned snugly within the annular chamber 156.

It will be appreciated that according to various exemplary embodimentswhere the handle member 136 is welded to the second annular member 72and the first annular member 8, the second annular member 72 and thebearing 164 are mutually engaged through frictional engagement, the gripapparatus 140 can be assembled without the use (i.e. free of) anyfastening system, such as the use of rivets, bolts and nuts, and/orscrews.

According to various exemplary embodiments, an exercise equipmentincludes at least one grip apparatus 140 described according to variousexemplary embodiments herein. The exercise equipment further includes atleast one attachment member connected to the first annular member 8. Theat least one attachment member is adapted to be connected to a weightsystem.

Referring back to FIG. 6B, the grip apparatus 140′ further includes thethird annular member 410 and fourth annular member 420. As indicated,above, the first annular member 8′, the second annular member 72′, thethird annular member 410 and the fourth annular member 420 containthreads 500. The apparatus 140′ mainly works as described above forapparatus 140 with the exception of the interaction of the threadedannular members 8′, 72′, 410 and 420. For example, the threaded portion500 of the second annular member 72′ will be inserted into the bearing164 since the threaded portion has a diameter substantially smaller thanthe inner diameter of the inner race 180. The second annular member 72′will be matched with the fourth annular member 420 in view of thematching threads of each of these two members. Due to the action ofthese matching threads 500, bearing 164 and the first annular member 8′will be sandwiched between the second annular member and the 72′ and theforth annular member 420. These components will thus be locked and heldtogether in view of the components screwed together (72′ and 420)Similarly, the matching threads 500 of the third annular member 410 andthe first annular member 8′ allow for sandwiching the second annularmember 72′, thereby holding together these three components. Theexternal diameter of the third annular member 410 is dimensioned to bematching the internal threads 500 of the first annular member 8′ and isthus smaller. Once inserted and screwed into the first annular member8′, the third annular member 410 can be flush to the top portion 44. Themember 410 thus abuts the flange 104 of the member 72′. Similarly, themember 420, once screwed into member 8′, can be flush to surface 64.

An inner diameter of the inner race 180 substantially corresponds withan outer diameter of an outer surface 88 of the annular sidewall 80 ofthe second annular member 72. The diameter of the inner race 180 maycorrespond with the outer diameter of the annular sidewall 80 within atolerance of approximately ±0.0015 inch.

Referring now to FIG. 8, therein illustrated is an elevated front viewof an exercise equipment that is stirrup handle 200 according to oneexemplary embodiment. An attachment member that is a loop 208 is weldedto the outer surface 96 of the first annular member 8 of the gripapparatus 140. The loop 208 is adapted to be connected to a connector ofa cabled weight system.

Referring now to FIG. 9, therein illustrated is a perspective view of anexercise equipment that is a double stirrup handle 200 216 according toone exemplary embodiment. An attachment member includes a cross bar 220welded to the outer surface 96 of the first annular members 8 of twogrip apparatuses 140 and a loop 224 rotatable about the cross bar 220.The loop 224 is adapted to be connected to a connector of a cabledweight system.

Referring now to FIG. 10, therein illustrated is a perspective view ofan exercise equipment that is a lat bar or pulldown bar 232 according toone exemplary embodiment. An attachment member includes a cross bar 240welded to and extending from the outer surface 96 of the first annularmembers 8 of two grip apparatus 140 and a loop 248 rotatable about thecross bar 240. The loop 248 is adapted to be connected to a connector ofa cabled weight system.

Referring now to FIG. 11, therein illustrated is a side elevation viewof an exercise equipment that is a variant 256 of the lat bar orpulldown bar 232 illustrated in FIG. 10. The variant lat bar 256includes a longer cross bar 240 and grip apparatuses 140 that are angledrelative to the cross bar 240. For example, and as illustrated, eachaxis of the grip apparatuses 140 forms a 85 degree angle 264 with thecross bar 240.

Referring now to FIG. 12, therein illustrated is a perspective view ofan exercise equipment that is a tricep press down bar 264. The triceppress down bar 264 includes a pair grip apparatuses 140 connected byopposing elbow members 272 welded to the outer surface 96 of the firstannular members 8 of the grip apparatuses 140. An attachment memberbeing a cross member 280 connects the two elbow members 272 and definesan opening 288. The opening 288 is adapted to be connected to aconnector of a cabled weight system.

Referring now to FIG. 13, therein illustrated is a side elevation viewof an exercise equipment that is an Olympic bar 296. Two grip apparatus140 are connected by a middle bar 300 welded at its ends to the outersurface 96 of the first annular members 8 of the grip apparatuses 140.Attachment members being outwardly extending bars 304 are welded toouter portions of the first annular members 8 as shown. The extendingbars 304 may each include a handle portion 308 and a weight supportportion 312. The handle portions 308 may be knurled to facilitategripping. Weight plates may be supported on the weight support portions312.

According to various exemplary methods for manufacturing the gripapparatus 140 described herein, a first annular member 8 as describedherein according to various exemplary embodiments is first provided. Forexample, the first annular member 8 may be formed by machining block ofmetal, such as low carbon steel.

A second annular member 72 as described herein according to variousexemplary embodiments is also provided. For example, the first annularmember 8 may be formed by machining a block of metal, such as low carbonsteel.

Referring now to FIGS. 14 and 15, therein illustrated is a section viewand close-up view of the section encircled by dotted lines in FIG. 14(see FIG. 15) of an initially formed second annular member 72 accordingto one exemplary embodiment. The initially formed second annular member72 corresponds to its state prior to connecting a handle member 136 (seeFIG. 6) thereto. The initially formed second annular member 72 has anannular sidewall 80 that has an outer portion 320 and inner portion 328.

According to various exemplary methods for manufacturing the gripapparatus 140 described herein, a handle member 136 is attached toopposing portions of the second annular member 72.

Attaching the handle member 136 to the initially formed second annularmember 72, for example by welding the handle member 136, may cause theouter diameter of the outer surface 88 of the annular sidewall 80 toexpand outwardly. Accordingly, the method further includes machining theouter portion 320 of the annular sidewall 80 of the second annularmember 72 after welding the handle member 136 thereto to reduce theouter diameter of the annular sidewall 80 such that this diametercorresponds to the inner diameter of the inner race 180 of the bearing164 to be included in the grip apparatus. For example, after furthermachining the outer portion 320, the second annular member 72 may havethe shape illustrated in FIG. 5.

According to various exemplary methods for manufacturing the gripapparatus 140 described herein, a bearing 164 is inserted into the firstannular member 8 so that an inner surface 96 of the annular sidewall 16of the first annular member 8 frictionally engages the outer race 172 ofthe bearing 164. For example, the annular sidewall 16 is press fitagainst the outer race 180 of the bearing 164.

Furthermore, the second annular member 72 (ex: after further machiningof its outer surface 80) is inserted into the bearing 164 so that anouter surface 88 of the annular sidewall 72 of the second annular member72 frictionally engages the inner race 180 of the bearing 164. Forexample, the annular sidewall 72 is press fit against the inner race 180of the bearing 164.

According to various exemplary methods for manufacturing the gripapparatus 140 described herein, the inner surface 84 of the annularsidewall 72 of the second annular member 72 is swaged radially outwardlyso as to promote engagement of the annular sidewall 72 with the innerrace 180. This swaging may further promote engagement of the annularsidewall 8 with outer race 172.

It will be appreciated that, for simplicity and clarity of illustration,where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated amongthe figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements or steps. Inaddition, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide athorough understanding of the exemplary embodiments described herein.However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the artthat the embodiments described herein may be practiced without thesespecific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures andcomponents have not been described in detail so as not to obscure theembodiments described herein. Furthermore, this description is not to beconsidered as limiting the scope of the embodiments described herein inany way but rather as merely describing the implementation of thevarious embodiments described herein.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A grip apparatus for exercise equipment, the grip apparatus comprising: a first annular member having a first annular sidewall and a first flange extending radially inwardly from the first annular sidewall; a second annular member having a second annular sidewall and a second flange extending radially inwardly outwardly from the second annular sidewall, a diameter of the second annular sidewall being less than a diameter of the first annular sidewall, the second annular member being positioned within the first annular member whereby the first annular sidewall, the second annular sidewall, the first flange and the second flange define together an annular chamber; a handle member extending between opposing portions of the second annular sidewall; a bearing positioned within the annular chamber, the first annular sidewall frictionally engaging a first race of the bearing and the second annular sidewall frictionally engaging a second race of the bearing, whereby the second annular member is freely rotatable relative to the first annular member; wherein the first race is an outer race of the bearing; wherein the second race is an inner race of the bearing; wherein an inner surface of the first annular sidewall frictionally engages an outer race of the bearing and the outer surface of the second annular sidewall frictionally engages the inner race of the bearing; and wherein the second annular member is swaged against the inner race.
 2. The grip apparatus for exercise equipment of claim 1, wherein a first difference between an inner surface diameter of the inner surface of the first annular sidewall and an outer surface diameter of the outer surface of the second annular sidewall substantially corresponds to a radial width of the first flange.
 3. The grip apparatus for exercise equipment of claim 2, wherein a second difference between the inner surface diameter of the inner surface of the first annular sidewall and the outer surface diameter of the outer surface of the second annular sidewall substantially corresponds to a radial width of the second flange.
 4. The grip apparatus for exercise equipment of claim 3, wherein a top wall of the bearing abuts against the first flange of the first annular member.
 5. The grip apparatus for exercise equipment of claim 4, wherein the first flange has an annular recessed portion for accommodating portions of balls of the bearing protruding from the top wall of the bearing.
 6. The grip apparatus for exercise equipment of claim 5, wherein the second flange has an annular recessed portion for accommodating portions of the balls of the bearing protruding from the bottom wall of the bearing.
 7. The grip apparatus for exercise equipment of claim 4, wherein a bottom wall of the bearing abuts against the second flange of the second annular member.
 8. The grip apparatus for exercise equipment of claim 1, further comprising a third annular member dimensioned to be connected to the first annular member, and a fourth annular member dimensioned to be connected to the second annular member, wherein the second annular member and the fourth annular member are, when connected together, sandwiching and holding together the bearing and the first annular member, and wherein the third annular member and the first annular member are, when connected together, sandwiching and holding the second annular member.
 9. The grip apparatus for exercise equipment of claim 1, further comprising a third annular member comprising external threads dimensioned to be matched with internal threads of the first annular member, and a fourth annular member comprising internal threads dimensioned to be matched with external threads of the second annular member, wherein the second annular member and the fourth annular member are, when connected together, effective for sandwiching and holding together the bearing and the first annular member, and wherein the third annular member and the first annular member are, when connected together, effective for sandwiching and holding the second annular member.
 10. A grip apparatus for exercise equipment, the grip apparatus comprising: a first annular member having a first annular sidewall and a first flange extending radially inwardly from the first annular sidewall; a second annular member having a second annular sidewall and a second flange extending radially inwardly outwardly from the second annular sidewall, a diameter of the second annular sidewall being less than a diameter of the first annular sidewall, the second annular member being positioned within the first annular member whereby the first annular sidewall, the second annular sidewall, the first flange and the second flange define together an annular chamber; a handle member extending between opposing portions of the second annular sidewall; a bearing positioned within the annular chamber, the first annular sidewall frictionally engaging a first race of the bearing and the second annular sidewall frictionally engaging a second race of the bearing, whereby the second annular member is freely rotatable relative to the first annular member; and a third annular member dimensioned to be connected to the first annular member, and a fourth annular member dimensioned to be connected to the second annular member, wherein the second annular member and the fourth annular member are, when connected together, sandwiching and holding together the bearing and the first annular member, and wherein the third annular member and the first annular member are, when connected together, sandwiching and holding the second annular member.
 11. The grip apparatus for exercise equipment of claim 10, wherein the first race is an outer race of the bearing; wherein the second race is an inner race of the bearing; and wherein an inner surface of the first annular sidewall frictionally engages the outer race of the bearing and an outer surface of the second annular sidewall frictionally engages the inner race of the bearing.
 12. The grip apparatus for exercise equipment of claim 11, wherein the inner surface of the first annular sidewall is press fit against the outer race of the bearing.
 13. The grip apparatus for exercise equipment of claim 12, wherein an outer surface of the second annular sidewall is press fit against the inner race of the bearing.
 14. The grip apparatus for exercise equipment of claim 11, wherein the second annular member is swaged against the inner race.
 15. The grip apparatus for exercise equipment of claim 10, wherein the grip apparatus for exercise equipment is free of fastening systems for attaching the first annular member to the second annular member.
 16. The grip apparatus for exercise equipment of claim 10, wherein the bearing is a ball bearing.
 17. The grip apparatus for exercise equipment of claim 10, wherein the bearing is chosen from a rolling element bearing, rotational bearing, a thrust bearing, a ball bearing, a spherical bearing, a thrust bearing, a needle bearing, a cam follower, a cup and cone bearing (timkin) and individual ball bearings.
 18. Exercise equipment comprising: at least one grip apparatus for exercise equipment according to claim 10; and one attachment member connected to the first annular member and adapted to be connected to a weight system.
 19. The exercise equipment of claim 18, wherein the exercise equipment is chosen from a chinning triangle, a tricep press down, a lat bar, a stirrup handle, a pulldown bar, a curl bar, an Olympic bar, a dumbbell handle, a hex bar, and a tricep bar.
 20. A method for manufacturing a grip apparatus for exercise equipment, the method comprising: providing a first annular member having a first annular sidewall and a first flange extending radially inwardly from the first annular sidewall; providing a second annular member having a second annular sidewall and a second flange extending radially inwardly outwardly from the second annular sidewall, a diameter of the second annular sidewall being less than a diameter of the first annular sidewall; attaching a handle member to opposing portions of the second annular sidewall; inserting a bearing into the first annular member, whereby an inner surface of the first annular sidewall frictionally engages an outer race of the bearing; inserting the second annular member into the bearing, whereby an outer surface of the second annular sidewall frictionally engages an inner race of the bearing; and swaging the inner surface of the second sidewall of the second annular member outwardly radially. 